Why are youth so vulnerable to being used as political tools and not for governance?
I am part of the pioneer leaders of North East Development Association (NEDA) that started in 2013 when the insurgency in the North East was out of control from the government and some Local Governments were overtaken. I am quite serious about youth being used for the right cause as the downfall of Nigeria would not be as a result of the corruption of our leaders, but due to the sentiments and lack of a common reasoning among the youth.
It is when we understand ourselves and change our thinking that we will lead the country successfully. In the past, youth including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari among others, took over the country and governed it successfully.
Nigerians need us now, to lead our country, so the Young Leadership Association of Nigeria (YLAN) is mobilizing youth to simply organize, orient and take over the country.
How do you view the campaign for more youth in governance today?
To promote youth in governance you have to include them, give them areas to handle. The best organization in the world is a combination of two things - the new will learn from the old so that the new will not repeat same mistake. We have failed to understand that in Nigeria. During elections, about 80 per cent of those involved are youth, but after that, they are not involved in the government, this must be changed.
Who comprise the members of YLAN?
The association is for young people, registered as youth organization and committed to ensuring youth participation in politics and nation building. We need visionary leaders who will understand that they are in government to serve not to steal, we need to team up to take the fight to the people who are stealing what belongs to all of us, we have over five million members and branches in USA, UK, UAE, Uganda, Sudan, Ghana and across states in Nigeria.
What is your advice towards the many agitations in Nigeria?
The recent development on national disunity, which is as a result of heightened tension on hate speeches and disintegration have drawn attention. The youth who consider themselves as agent of change still the lack unity and the absence of unity promotes anarchy, misunderstanding and backwardness. It is obvious that our youth are the tools in the hands of some individuals who are determined to disrupt the peace to protect their selfish interest. Using the combined forces of the Nigerian youth against the enemy of the masses will be more effective.
What is your advice to the youth?
My fellow youth, do not join the old cargoes in their deceit to the nation, the entire youth of this country should be united and focused. You can register with us across the local governments and have a say in the movement so that the right people will be in charge of the affairs of our resources and restore Nigeria. United youth hope for a better Nigeria. Why should we be divided against the elders’ evils when they steal our resources collectively? Let us ask them to be accountable, let us be part of the future of Nigeria and that is now!
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